Republican Gary Johnson, who earned the nickname Governor Veto while cutting spending in New Mexico, announced his candidacy for president Thursday in New Hampshire. He also has a libertarian streak reminiscent of Rep. Ron Paul.

Ronald Reagan, who would have turned 100 on Sunday, is uniquely revered by Republicans. In this year of Reagan nostalgia, those jockeying for the GOP's 2012 presidential nomination could vie for his mantle.